Taxpayers have been forced to pay for security guards at the Wodonga Department of Health and Human Services amid concerns for the behaviour of an agitated father.
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Staff recently raised concerns about the man's aggression at the site, which led to the guards being hired for their protection.
There are worries surrounding the man's use of drugs, which are thought to include ice and marijuana, with his children also raising fears of his behaviour.
His adult son has raised concerns about "high level violence".
The man - who can't be named for legal reasons - appeared before court in Wodonga on Tuesday.
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The court heard his behaviour towards police, the department and his neighbours was "very concerning".
"These are really serious matters," prosecutor Allison Vaughan said after the man laughed during the hearing.
The man had been arrested on Monday after breaching an intervention order taken out by the mother of his baby.
The court heard the man had presented to staff as someone with drug or mental health issues.
But the man said he was only using "a little bit of marijuana", which he has done for the past decade, and said he wasn't on ice.
"I'm a very good parent," he said.
"I'm trying to keep my family together your honour."
It's unclear how long the security guards will remain at the site for.
The man's access to his daughter has been limited.
"Honestly your daughter needs time out," Magistrate John Murphy said.
"You need time to get your life in order by the sounds of it."
Mr Murphy encouraged the man to "seek some help", but the father said the matter was "a joke".
The magistrate warned he could be locked up.
"If you want to go back in there," he said pointing the police cells, "just keep saying what you said to me."
The department did not respond in time for publication.